01
Indigenous peoples’ rights
Raising awareness of and enforcing the 2011 law on the rights of indigenous peoples, from civil registration to access to justice.
Explore this areaalongside indigenous peoples, since 2012
Defend rights.
Strengthen communities. Build an inclusive future.
Espace OPOKO works alongside indigenous peoples and vulnerable communities in the Republic of Congo to promote their rights, their access to essential services and their participation in development.
- New · United Nations consultative status
- UNESCO · Member
- RENAPA · Member
- REPALEAC · Member
New
We have just been granted
United Nations consultative status
We are
UNESCO
Member of the Congolese National Commission for UNESCO
RENAPA
Member of the National Network of Indigenous Peoples of Congo
REPALEAC
Member of the Network of Indigenous and Local Populations for the Sustainable Management of Central African Forest Ecosystems
Since 2012
No community 
should be left behind. From the first slate 
to the first diploma 
, we move forward with indigenous peoples.
Espace OPOKO was born from a simple observation: in Congo, indigenous peoples remain the furthest from school, healthcare and the recognition of their rights. We work with them, in their villages, to build lasting answers together.
From the field to
impact
Provisional figures, being verified.
people supported
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villages and settlements
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projects delivered
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partners
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Explore our impact
What we do
Six fields of action, one standard: dignity.
02
Education
Enrolment, retention and success of indigenous children and youth, with teaching that respects their language and culture.
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Health
Bringing basic care closer to remote villages: vaccination, maternal health, prevention and fighting malnutrition.
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04
Environment
Protecting the forest communities depend on and valuing their knowledge in sustainable natural resource management.
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05
Community development
Income-generating activities, cooperatives and training so families gain economic independence.
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06
Human rights and social inclusion
Fighting discrimination and ensuring communities take part in the decisions that affect them.
Explore this areaWhat remains to be won.
01
Access to school
Distance, missing civil records and discrimination still keep many indigenous children out of class.
02
Access to care
In isolated settlements, the nearest health centre is often several days’ walk away.
03
Land rights
The forest feeds families, yet their use rights are rarely recognised in writing.
Findings to be documented with Espace OPOKO sources.
Focus
Indigenous peoples at the heart of our work
In Congo, indigenous peoples’ rights are recognised by Law No. 5-2011. Between the text and daily life, the gap remains vast. We tackle it through what concretely changes a life: a birth certificate, a place at school, health follow-up.
Nothing is decided without communities: every project starts by listening, in the local language, and involves settlement chiefs, families, schools and authorities.
- Education
- Health
- Natural resources
- Human rights
- Fighting discrimination
- Community participation
of supported children are still in school after a year
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%
birth certificates obtained
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community relays trained
0
Provisional figures, being verified.
Where we work
Ouesso
Sibiti
Bambama
Brazzaville
Pointe-Noire
Mahajanga
Our offices in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Ouesso, Sibiti and Bambama, and Espace Opoko Madagascar in Mahajanga, work closely with children, families and schools.
Projects
In the field, right now
Field stories
They tell the story of change.
« We used to walk two days to see a nurse. Today I’m the one supporting the women of our settlement. »
« At the bridge school I learned to read in my language. Now I read French to my little brothers too. »
« The map we drew together is now recognised. Our parents’ forest is written down in black and white. »
Placeholder testimonies — to be replaced with stories collected with consent.
They trust us
Partners.
Union européenne
AFD
UNESCO
UNICEF
Banque mondiale
Rainforest Foundation
Gouvernement de la République du Congo
List to be confirmed. Official logos to be supplied by each partner.
Give hope a face.
Your support can change a community for good.
A gift funds birth certificates, school supplies, health rounds. Choose an amount to begin.